Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q-S1
92 Imaging
44 Features
63 Overall
51


92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 201g - 101 x 61 x 29mm
- Launched November 2013
- Superseded the Nikon 1 J2
- Updated by Nikon 1 J4
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
- Announced August 2014

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview
The following is a detailed assessment of the Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax Q-S1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") have different sensor sizes.

The 1 J3 was released 8 months before the Q-S1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the 1 J3 grades versus the Q-S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J3 over the Pentax Q-S1
1 J3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Nikon 1 J3
Q-S1 | 1 J3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | August 2014 | ![]() | November 2013 | Newer by 8 months |
Common features in the Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax Q-S1
1 J3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More exact focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen dimensions |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | No Touch screen |
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 J3 offers external dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the 1 J3 compared to the Q-S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J3 and Q-S1 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by checking out technical specs. The pic underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J3 and Q-S1.
As you have seen, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 J3 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Nikon 1 J3 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged 1 J3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications
Nikon 1 J3 | Pentax Q-S1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Pentax |
Model type | Nikon 1 J3 | Pentax Q-S1 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2013-11-30 | 2014-08-04 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | - | Q Engine |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | 1/1.7" |
Sensor measurements | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 7.44 x 5.58mm |
Sensor surface area | 116.2mm² | 41.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 4000 x 3000 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
Lowest native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | 135 | - |
Cross type focus points | 41 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon 1 | Pentax Q |
Total lenses | 13 | 8 |
Crop factor | 2.7 | 4.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 921 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Highest quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 seconds | - |
Continuous shooting speed | 15.0fps | 5.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/60 seconds | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 1072 x 720 (60 fps) 640 x 240 (400), 320 x 120 (1200) | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 201g (0.44 pounds) | 203g (0.45 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 101 x 61 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 52 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.4 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.0 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 420 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 images | 250 images |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL20 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage slots | One | One |
Pricing at launch | $170 | $250 |